tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14592849716937427542019-03-21T05:08:19.440-04:00iNeed a Playdate{after enlightenment, the laundry}Mary Johnsonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1506125http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.gifhellomommyhttps://feedburner.google.comSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with PlusmoSubscribe with The Free DictionarySubscribe with Bitty BrowserSubscribe with Live.comSubscribe with Excite MIXSubscribe with WebwagSubscribe with Podcast ReadySubscribe with WikioSubscribe with Daily RotationThank you so much for subscribing to iNeed a Playdate!tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-81308540610803964252019-03-05T15:59:00.000-05:002019-03-05T15:59:20.771-05:00Inspired by Instagram: POP Fit ClothingThis is not a paid placement. If you purchase a product through a link on this page I will receive a small percentage of the sale.
I've been trying really hard to get to the gym. The hardest part is finding clothes that are practical, fit, and affordable. Oh, and look good!
It's certainly gotten easier for fat girls to find nice looking workout clothes. The challenge for me is finding ones <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/w5_BtepVtqs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/03/inspired-by-instagram-pop-fit-clothing.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-47028649994558632942019-02-28T16:08:00.000-05:002019-02-28T16:11:49.382-05:00Why I Did the #10DayChallenge Diet
I did the 10-day diet challenge!
And, it sucked for the first three or four days. Like, really sucked. But, I did it.
It's been almost two years since I shared my #FattoFitCLE updates. In that time period, I gained back the 30 pounds that I lost!
I had to give up my gym membership to the YMCA. It's expensive to belong to the Y! I stopped counting calories and tried WW. I gained weight on <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/u5-TO7j1Uv4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/02/why-i-did-10daychallenge-diet.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-60105802944402665602019-02-26T12:05:00.002-05:002019-02-26T12:05:55.761-05:00Celebrating at Paladar Latin Kitchen + Enter to Win $100 Gift Card
This conversation was facilitated by Paladar Latin Kitchen. All opinions are my own. This content is intended for readers 21+.
Last week a friend and I attend Paladar's media night showcasing the newly remodeled restaurant and the Carnival menu.
While I adore BOMBA, I've never been to Paladar. Neither had my friend. I had no idea how much of a treat we would be in for when I accepted <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/hfpDa1U9Z_4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/02/celebrating-at-paladar-latin-kitchen.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-67297176144671086542019-02-19T21:57:00.000-05:002019-02-21T11:54:30.799-05:00Chuck E. Cheese has a Whole New Look, New Games, and New Ways to Play! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Chuck E. Cheese's. The opinions and text are all mine.
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var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/UD4ffkiiPk8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/02/chuck-e-cheese-has-whole-new-look-new.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-15225730887400992162019-02-12T11:11:00.004-05:002019-02-12T11:13:27.651-05:00Backyard Wilderness at the Great Lakes Science CenterWe were provided with tickets to see Backyard Wilderness at the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater and admission to the Great Lakes Science Center to facilitate this conversation. All opinions are my own.
A few years ago, I stopped home with my son before dashing off to get his sister from daycare. I happened to glance in the backyard and I noticed a deer. It was so still and I was in such a <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/ZDipYxcmL9g" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/02/backyard-wilderness-at-great-lakes.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-37779937945616178112019-02-06T16:56:00.000-05:002019-02-06T16:56:59.593-05:00What we did in the CLE: North Coast Feis
My kids competed in the North Coast Feis last weekend.
This was a big one because it was my son's first! He swore he would never dance in front of anyone but he did and we are so proud.
This is my daughter's second feis, but third time competing.
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His first Feis her second one. They started together two and half <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/qmQoOTNKvBk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/02/what-we-did-in-cle-north-coast-feis.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-66470557984293810572019-01-31T06:00:00.001-05:002019-01-31T06:00:07.789-05:00Inspired by Instagram: LETSCOM Fitness Tracker This is not a paid placement. If you purchase a product through a link on this page I will receive a small percentage of the sale.
Have you ever clicked on an Instagram or Facebook ad?
Scrolling mindlessly through friends' photos until you are interrupted by a targeted Instagram post or Facebook ad that begs to be seen. Have you ever bought the item?
I have! A few times. And, I've even had<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/w4MVV4P7DDo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/inspired-by-instagram-letscom-fitness.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-39487188816556587492019-01-30T09:54:00.000-05:002019-01-30T09:54:11.702-05:00Have You Read These Books, Yet? Vol. 9
New year, a new challenge, two new books to read!
It's been a slow-ish start to the new year and Goodreads Challenge. I blame Anne Rice. I started reading Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis and it's taking f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get through this book! I enjoy the book, it's just really descriptive.
I prefer her Mayfair Witches series so much more than the Vampire series. However, I started reading<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/-FhJdxhJFMs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/have-you-read-these-books-yet-vol-9.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-50107104499930376452019-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:002019-01-29T06:00:04.876-05:00Family Fun Events To-Do in Northeast Ohio February 2019
There snow-where like Cleveland in February!
January was a chilly affair.
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The cold doesn't bother us! @ncoastharbor's #icefestcle was snow impressive this year. Pretty brrr-illiant. And, summer feels 131 days closer. #visitmeincle #eatplaylivecle #thisiscle #discoverohio #discovercleveland #ohiolove #<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/Q5dsb07VoZw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/northeast-ohio-cleveland-february-2019.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-20548204381930844522019-01-25T14:59:00.002-05:002019-01-30T10:25:48.804-05:007 Tips for Hosting the Best Chili Cook-off Ever
Winter has hit Northeast Ohio! And, what pairs better with cold weather than chili!
Did you know that the third Thursday in February is National Chili Day? The month of October is dedicated to the spicy stew of peppers.
fun fact: Texas-style chili doesn’t contain beans; vegetarian chili (aka chili sin carne) typically replaces meat with corn and other vegetables; chili verde uses pork, <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/pMyAgCkYs7Y" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/7-tips-for-hosting-best-chili-cook-off.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-87707061395244816212019-01-23T20:45:00.000-05:002019-01-26T09:24:40.933-05:00What We Did in CLE: North Coast Harbor Ice Fest
I am not a fan of the cold. Winter in Northeast Ohio isn't as bad as other places. And, my little suburb is by far the best place to live if you aren't a fan of snow.
You can keep your white Christmas. And, skiing is great for other people. But, when it comes to outdoor festivals! I will bundle the gang up in every stitch of thermal underwear and make them go outside!
North Coast Harbor's <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/EMTA5-ANOr8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/what-we-did-in-cle-north-coast-harbor.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-28106679999319644532019-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:002019-01-23T10:08:22.587-05:005 Podcasts That Could be Your New Favorite
My working days look like this, drive kids to school, drive to work, work, drive home, family stuff, write, sleep. While listening to music does play a part in my day, podcasts have taken over.
While I make lunches, I listed to Alexa's Flash Briefing, in the car - anything that makes me cry, and at work mostly news but also indulgent podcasts.
My indulgent podcasts include Doctor Who recaps<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/iNKjonJF6X4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/5-podcasts-that-could-be-your-new.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-31384209028596332482019-01-17T14:36:00.000-05:002019-01-25T15:22:10.828-05:00What We Did Last Week: Fitness, Christmas, and Girl Scouts
Last week does not feel like it was just last week for me!
We celebrated Orthodox Christmas, I hit the gym with enthusiasm, and my Girl Scout started selling cookies, again.
It was a week of Girl Scout activities, too!
Selling cookies was a blip compared to the cookie rally, troop meeting, and a trip to the aquarium!
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<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/H1j79U7eL0c" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/what-we-did-last-week-fitness-christmas.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-55627158389464825822019-01-15T17:03:00.001-05:002019-01-23T10:08:57.728-05:00Win The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Available January 29 (Bonus Activities to Download)We were provided with a free copy of the DVD for this conversation. Opinions are my own.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is my kid's second favorite movie of 2018. I mean - she loved this movie. The music, the characters, the story, the dancing. It's gorgeous to view. I mean g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!
On January 29th Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms arrives on Digital, Movies Anywhere, <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/wl01sAFTmD0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/win-nutcracker-and-four-realms.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-68536772464096215252019-01-14T20:45:00.001-05:002019-01-14T20:45:20.702-05:00Stop Apologizing! 8 Things to Think About Before Saying, "I'm Sorry"
You know that friend who is always apologizing for something?
We all have that friend who has you questioning your ability to forgive because there is nothing to forgive. They just can't stop apologizing.
I'm not that person. I mean, I could be but I've been working very hard not to be that person. It's a slippery slope to go down when you start apologizing for just existing.
I became <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/Vq9bsOqJ564" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/stop-apologizing-8-things-to-think.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-15980481283929678902019-01-11T16:02:00.001-05:002019-01-11T16:02:11.988-05:00What We Did This Week: Margaritaville Cleveland
The first full week back to work and I am tired!
Monday was rough! Office manager sometimes is confused with a personal assistant that can be ignored as needed. But, I'm not sharing about this week! I am sharing a brilliant holiday party my company had at Margaritaville CLE!
Organizing the holiday party is one of my favorite things to do! Honestly, anything that allows me to plan and <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/YTe2wmeYPwc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/what-we-did-this-week-margaritaville.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-87520490657253884282019-01-03T06:30:00.000-05:002019-01-03T06:30:10.787-05:00Have You Read These, Yet? Vol. 8
34 books! 12002 number of pages. I hit my reading goal for the year. I have not read this much since I rode a bus to work.
My goal was 24 books. For 2019, I upped my goal to an even thirty.
The last five books I read in 2018 were a mixed bag. Two I absolutely adored, two were okay, and one I am not sure about.
Have you read these, yet?
Sweet Little Lies
View <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/rNgB3yKG0H0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/have-you-read-these-yet-vol-8.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-32597537905116808932019-01-02T07:30:00.000-05:002019-01-02T23:06:03.061-05:00Places to go on MLK Day in Northeast Ohio 2019
What to do MLK Day in Northeast Ohio 2019
Rumor has it, it's supposed to be a mild winter. Selfishly, I am hoping it will be cold enough for North Coast's annual Ice Fest!
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Another @ncoastharbor Ice Festival under our belts! We slapped a hockey puck, looked at ice sculptures, and froze our asses off! #eatplaylivecle #thisiscle #clewinter #northcoastharbor #icefest <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/oQnYK4041CE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/places-to-go-on-mlk-day-in-northeast.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-28915271356797257742019-01-01T18:38:00.000-05:002019-01-01T18:40:40.642-05:00Family Fun Events To-Do in Northeast Ohio January 2019
Hello, January!
The last two weeks of 2018 have been pretty laid back. We tried very hard, to do very little.
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LEGOS, reading, and watching a lot of TV has been our week. I miss my parents and large family gatherings but there's something so much better - just the four of us, cocooned in our home. #<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/sHZRD26ybzg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2019/01/northeast-ohio-cleveland-january-2019.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-46388535028176146722018-12-17T15:35:00.003-05:002018-12-17T15:35:34.273-05:00Give CLE Moms the Gift of Time with Cardinal Maids + Coupon Codes to Save $$We received an entire home cleaning in exchange for this conversation. Opinions are my own.
I hate cleaning house. This is no secret. I'm also really bad at housekeeping. Besides working two jobs and wanting to spend time with my kids, house cleaning always takes a backseat.
Cardinal Maids came to my rescue!
When my kids catch me cleaning, they know company is coming over.
And, I <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/L7d9CVQfzj4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2018/12/give-cle-moms-gift-of-time-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-81772540993234649452018-12-17T13:35:00.000-05:002019-01-25T15:22:51.448-05:00Camp Curiosity at Great Lakes Science Center is Open for Winter Break! See how you can win!We were given a Curiosity Camp experience in exchange for hosting this sweepstake. Opinions are our own.
It's my first Instagram sweepstakes!
Enter to win a one-day Camp Curiosity day at the Great Lakes Science Center.
Check out which Camp Curiosity at Great Lakes Science Center day your child would like to attend and head over to the Instagram post featuring my darling astronaut to enter! <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/3JWRACIaIhs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2018/12/camp-curiosity-at-great-lakes-science.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-70821641604379826442018-12-13T09:18:00.000-05:002018-12-13T09:30:11.451-05:00What We Did Last Week: CLE at Christmas and the Winchester
There haven't been many opportunities that I would wear an ugly Christmas sweater. Holiday or no holiday. I didn't even own one for the annual holiday sweater brunch I host at work.
In fact, I didn't own one until this past week!
Thank you, Target Cartwheel and 40% off!
This past weekend, I sort of lived in mine.
Starting at the crack ass of dawn Saturday. I really wanted a Christmas <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/op_eeBqxtrE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2018/12/what-we-did-last-week-cle-at-christmas.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-41893979492178809712018-12-11T14:56:00.000-05:002018-12-12T11:02:25.275-05:00Unwrapping Experience: 10 Gift Ideas too Big to Fit Under the Christmas Tree
When it comes to gift giving, we try to give the kids more experiences than things. Try and fail, but try nonetheless. I hate cleaning, so less to have to pick up, dust, move around, or throw away is fine by me!
I've shared in the past lists that were inspired by Northeast Ohio and the Cleveland area but this is the ultimate list of experiences that you can give to your family and friends<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/WJoatLSSYz4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2018/12/experience-gift-ideas-inspired-cleveland-ohio.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-58516369289924732032018-12-07T20:47:00.001-05:002018-12-07T20:47:33.890-05:00Louisville, Homewood Suites, and First Oireachtas
About a year ago, my kids started Irish dance class.
When they started, I wasn't sure how far it would go. I found the studio on Groupon while looking for a deal on a spa day. My daughter had taken classes before, but I never took her back after winter break. So, there was a studio in our city, young energetic teachers, and her best friend was willing to try too! Seemed like a giant win.
I<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/Wxto2BeNGhA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2018/12/louisville-homewood-suites-first-oireachtas.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1459284971693742754.post-62215163510656958092018-12-04T16:35:00.000-05:002018-12-04T16:59:41.866-05:00Are You Yeti for it? SMALLFOOT Coming Home in Time for the Holidays! Enter to Win!Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the DVD for this conversation. Opinions are my own.
Can you believe that there has never been a movie about fun-loving Yetis who discover that there really are humans in the world? And, it's a musical!
Since receiving Smallfoot, we've watched it several times and I can honestly say, it hasn't gotten old, yet. I'm sure that it <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/hellomommy/~4/5NDO-XTpuWA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Mary Johnsonhttps://plus.google.com/109861085363436083302noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.ineedaplaydate.com/2018/12/win-smallfoot-dvd-bluray-warner-bros.html